Owner has sweet dreams for Dream Sweet spa

Published: Wednesday, October 9, 2013 at 4:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, October 8, 2013 at 9:12 p.m.

Starting a new business is never easy, but Khara Gravely was relaxed and excited about the turnout during last Friday's ribbon-cutting at her Dream Sweet Esthetics day spa that recently opened at 318 North Main St.

The spa, which includes a lobby and a massage and skin treatment room, is located on the second floor of Scarlet, a women's and children's boutique on Main Street in Hendersonville. Dream Sweet's main services include facials, waxing, chemical peels and massages.

Gravely said her grand opening, which coincided with increased foot traffic due to the annual Art on Main celebration that kicked off the next day, was a success, and she looks forward to serving locals and tourists for years to come.

“We had a pretty good turnout,” Gravely said with a smile. “Art on Main definitely helped. We're just getting started and we're very excited.”

Gravely uses all-natural, organic ingredients “because your skin is your body's biggest organ,” she said. “Most people don't take care of their skin. With all of the things in our environment — free radicals and pollution — it's bad enough, so why would you want to put more chemicals on your skin? If you want to look younger and soften lines, you want all-natural products.”

One of Gravely's more popular treatments is eyebrow tinting. “Often as women age, they can lose some of the definition in their eyebrows,” she explained. “Eyebrows are the frame of the face, so if you darken them it's like a mini facelift. It makes you look more awake.”

Gravely got her start in esthetics about three years ago after visiting an esthetician to have a tattoo removed. She shared her interest in the field with the esthetician, who encouraged her to go to school. On the way home, on a whim she visited Blue Ridge Community College. It was the last day to register for the school's Esthetics Technology program.

On the spot, she became a full-time BRCC student. Less than a year later, she was licensed as a beauty and cosmetics/skincare professional.

“We had a great teacher who taught us the importance of holistic skincare, reflexology and aromatherapy, along with how to do chemical peels to lessen acne, minimize pores, soften lines and rejuvenate the skin.” Gravely said. The school operated a clinic that was open to the public, “so you could get a lot of practice.” She went on to work in several area day spa locations over the years, but knew she wanted more.

“I started going up and down Main Street and introducing myself to business owners and just getting out there,” she said.

When she stopped in at Scarlet, owner Candi Guffy told her the store's second-floor loft space was available, and before she knew it, Gravely was in business.

Her clients so far are a mix of faithful clients and others who have just discovered Dream Sweet. Some are “sun worshippers” who need to get dark spots lightened. Others don't necessarily have a problem that needs solving, but are “just people who are aware that they need to take care of their skin,” Gravely said.

“I think there is a lot of wellness awareness in our area,” she added. “There are a lot of people who are into a healthy lifestyle, yoga, farm-to-table eating, and an organic way of life. I'm trusting that those types of people will come to Dream Sweet and be introduced to the organic skincare regimens that we offer.”

<p>Starting a new business is never easy, but Khara Gravely was relaxed and excited about the turnout during last Friday's ribbon-cutting at her Dream Sweet Esthetics day spa that recently opened at 318 North Main St.</p><p>The spa, which includes a lobby and a massage and skin treatment room, is located on the second floor of Scarlet, a women's and children's boutique on Main Street in Hendersonville. Dream Sweet's main services include facials, waxing, chemical peels and massages. </p><p>Gravely said her grand opening, which coincided with increased foot traffic due to the annual Art on Main celebration that kicked off the next day, was a success, and she looks forward to serving locals and tourists for years to come. </p><p>“We had a pretty good turnout,” Gravely said with a smile. “Art on Main definitely helped. We're just getting started and we're very excited.”</p><p>Gravely uses all-natural, organic ingredients “because your skin is your body's biggest organ,” she said. “Most people don't take care of their skin. With all of the things in our environment — free radicals and pollution — it's bad enough, so why would you want to put more chemicals on your skin? If you want to look younger and soften lines, you want all-natural products.” </p><p>One of Gravely's more popular treatments is eyebrow tinting. “Often as women age, they can lose some of the definition in their eyebrows,” she explained. “Eyebrows are the frame of the face, so if you darken them it's like a mini facelift. It makes you look more awake.”</p><p>Gravely got her start in esthetics about three years ago after visiting an esthetician to have a tattoo removed. She shared her interest in the field with the esthetician, who encouraged her to go to school. On the way home, on a whim she visited Blue Ridge Community College. It was the last day to register for the school's Esthetics Technology program. </p><p>On the spot, she became a full-time BRCC student. Less than a year later, she was licensed as a beauty and cosmetics/skincare professional.</p><p>“We had a great teacher who taught us the importance of holistic skincare, reflexology and aromatherapy, along with how to do chemical peels to lessen acne, minimize pores, soften lines and rejuvenate the skin.” Gravely said. The school operated a clinic that was open to the public, “so you could get a lot of practice.” She went on to work in several area day spa locations over the years, but knew she wanted more. </p><p>“I started going up and down Main Street and introducing myself to business owners and just getting out there,” she said. </p><p>When she stopped in at Scarlet, owner Candi Guffy told her the store's second-floor loft space was available, and before she knew it, Gravely was in business. </p><p>Her clients so far are a mix of faithful clients and others who have just discovered Dream Sweet. Some are “sun worshippers” who need to get dark spots lightened. Others don't necessarily have a problem that needs solving, but are “just people who are aware that they need to take care of their skin,” Gravely said. </p><p>“I think there is a lot of wellness awareness in our area,” she added. “There are a lot of people who are into a healthy lifestyle, yoga, farm-to-table eating, and an organic way of life. I'm trusting that those types of people will come to Dream Sweet and be introduced to the organic skincare regimens that we offer.”</p><p>Reach Tanker at 828-694-7871 or nancy.tanker@blueridgenow.com.</p>